In the fast-paced business environment of Dubai in 2026, a registered trademark is not a “set it and forget it” asset. While your initial registration grants you exclusive rights, those rights come with an expiration date. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks, a trademark in the UAE is valid for 10 years from the date of filing.

Failing to renew your trademark on time is one of the most common and costly mistakes founders make. Missing the legal deadline doesn’t just result in fines; it can lead to the total cancellation of your rights, allowing a competitor to legally “hijack” your brand identity. In 2026, with the Ministry of Economy’s digital systems being more precise than ever, staying ahead of the renewal clock is your most important administrative task.

1. Understanding the Renewal Window: When to Act

The UAE provides a specific timeframe for renewals to ensure business continuity. You do not have to wait until the very last day to secure your brand for the next decade.

• The Regular Renewal Period: You can apply for renewal during the final year (the 10th year) of your trademark’s protection period. It is highly recommended to start this process at least 6 months before the expiry date to account for any document updates or administrative delays.
• The Grace Period: If you miss the actual expiry date, the UAE law provides a 6-month grace period immediately following the expiration. While your trademark remains “active” during this time, you will be hit with significant late penalties.
• The Hard Deadline: Once the 6-month grace period lapses, the trademark is considered cancelled. At this point, you lose all exclusive rights, and the mark becomes available for third parties to register.

2. The Step-by-Step Renewal Process in 2026

The Ministry of Economy (MoE) has fully digitized the renewal process. Here is how a professional renewal is conducted this year:

Step 1: Document Preparation

Before logging into the portal, ensure you have the updated versions of these required documents:

• Copy of the Original Certificate: The registration certificate from 10 years ago.
• Valid Trade License: Your current Dubai or UAE trade license.
• Power of Attorney (POA): If you are using a trademark agent or a consultant like FounderX, you need a notarized (and potentially legalized) POA.
• Emirates ID/Passport: For the authorized signatory of the company.

Step 2: Online Application Submission

Log in to the Ministry of Economy e-Services portal. Under the “Trademarks” section, select the “Trademark Renewal” service. You will need to enter your original registration number, which will auto-populate most of the brand details. Carefully review the classes of goods or services to ensure they still align with your business operations in 2026.

Step 3: Fee Payment (The 2026 Rates)

• Late Renewal Penalty: If you are renewing during the 6-month grace period, an additional fee is applied.
• SME Discounts: Check if your business qualifies for the “SME Classification” which, as of late 2025, can offer up to a 50% reduction in certain administrative fees.

Step 4: Publication in the Official Bulletin

Unlike a new registration, a renewal does not go through a full re-examination or a 30-day opposition period from the public. However, the law still requires the renewal to be published in the Ministry’s Trademark Bulletin. This serves as a public notice that your rights have been extended for another decade.

Step 5: Issuance of the Renewal Certificate

Once the publication is finalized and fees are settled, the Ministry issues a Digital Trademark Renewal Certificate. This document is your legal proof of ownership until 2036.

3. The Consequences of Missing the “Hard” Deadline

If you fail to renew even within the 6-month grace period, the fallout is severe. In 2026, the Ministry’s system automatically moves expired marks into a “Cancelled” status.

• Loss of Enforcement Power: You can no longer file complaints with Dubai Police or Customs to stop counterfeiters.
• Third-Party “Hijacking”: A competitor can file a fresh application for your name. If their application is accepted, you could be the one sued for infringement of your own original brand.
• The “3-Year Rule” Complication: While the law generally prevents others from registering a cancelled mark for 3 years, there are legal loopholes, especially if the mark is considered “not in use.” Relying on this 3-year buffer is a high-risk strategy that rarely pays off.

4. Pro-Tips for a Stress-Free Renewal

To ensure you never lose your brand assets, implement these corporate policies today:

1. Centralize Your IP Calendar: Do not rely on the memory of the founder who started the company 10 years ago. Use a dedicated IP management tool or a shared corporate calendar with alerts set for 12 months, 6 months, and 30 days before expiry.
2. Verify the Ownership Chain: If your company has changed names, merged, or moved from a Free Zone to the Mainland in the last decade, you must update the “Owner Details” in the Ministry’s records before or during the renewal. An inconsistency here can stall the entire process.
3. Account for “Multi-Class” Filings: In 2026, many brands are registered in multiple classes. Remember that each class has its own renewal fee. Budgeting for these costs 12 months in advance prevents cash-flow issues from endangering your IP.
4. Audit the Mark: Ask yourself: “Is this logo still what we use?” If you have significantly redesigned your logo, a “Renewal” of the old version might not protect the new one. In 2026, it may be wiser to file a New Application for the updated design while renewing the word mark.

FounderX is your strategic partner for UAE business setup and growth, ensuring your brand is built on a solid legal foundation. We handle the trade licensing and corporate back-end so you can focus on leading your vision.